D3 Energy Limited has announced the start of drilling at the RBD12 well in the ER315 permit area in South Africa’s Free State province. 

The new project follows the company’s recent success at RBD03 and RBD10 wells, where they found high helium levels and good gas flow.

D3 Energy, a company focused on helium and natural gas, has made great progress in its exploration at the ER315 site.

The RBD10 well has delivered strong results, with a flow rate of 191,000 cubic feet of gas per day and a helium concentration of 4.7% over 14 days. 

These results show a 52% increase in flow rates compared to earlier tests with different equipment.

The drilling of the RBD12 well aims to further assess the reservoir’s productivity and gather more data on gas compositions, setting the stage for future development and potential production expansion.

With a budget of approximately AU$200,000 (around US$135,000) for drilling and completion, the RBD12 well is expected to become a prospective future production well.

D3 Energy’s assets in South Africa are known for their cost-effectiveness. The wells within the ER315 permit are designed to flow naturally without the need for artificial lift or pumping, leading to very low operating costs throughout their lifespan.

The RBD12 well is strategically located near the RBD03 well, which has consistently produced measurable rates of methane and helium since 1984. 

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Positioned west of the Virginia Fault, the site was chosen based on insights from the successful RBD10 and RBD11 wells. These wells confirmed how faulting and fractures affect gas migration beneath the Karoo formation.

David Casey, the Managing Director and CEO of D3 Energy, shared his excitement about the company’s progress, saying, “This is a big step forward for us as we move forward with exploring, developing, and bringing our top-notch helium assets to market.” He also noted that initial drilling results have greatly boosted the company’s confidence in the RBD12 well.

The successful intersection of gas at RBD12 will be followed by production testing to collect samples and determine concentrations of helium and methane.

The testing is expected to initiate a broader and more extensive production testing program, starting with the evaluation of historical gold exploration boreholes RBD01 and RBD03 as early as next month.

D3 Energy’s commitment to responsible exploration and development extends beyond the technical aspects.

The company recognizes the importance of creating economic benefits for local communities through job creation and resource development. 

By harnessing the region’s natural resources, D3 Energy aims to contribute to South Africa’s energy landscape while fostering sustainable growth and prosperity in the surrounding areas.

As D3 Energy embarks on this new phase of drilling at RBD12 well, the company remains focused on its long-term vision of becoming a leading player in the helium market. 

With a strong track record of success and a dedicated team, D3 Energy is poised to make significant strides in unlocking the potential of South Africa’s helium and natural gas resources.